=============================================================================== Hime-chan's Ribbon, Volume 1, Part 1 English translation by Robert DeLoura (deloura@noaapmel.gov) Assistance on the tough lines by Hitoshi Doi :-) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- {NOTE: I use curly-braces around any editorial comments I make. } {This manga uses a lot of small text, written outside of speech bubbles. } {I do my best to guess whether they're just saying it quietly, or thinking } {it to themselves, and mark it [quietly] or [thinking], accordingly. } {'(Author):' indicates a comment the author made along the outer edges of } { a frame in the manga. } (Page 3) As the schoolbell rings, a girl with long hair and a red ribbon watches the students from atop a tall tree. Her eyes focus on a tomboyish girl, who looks quite a bit like her, except for the short hair and lack of a ribbon. Erika: [smiling] I've found her. (Page 7) The girl with the short hair is playing baseball with a bunch of boys during lunch break. The crack of a bat is heard, and a male voice rings out. Boy: Himeko! It's yours! Himeko: OK!! Himeko leaps into the air to catch the ball -- but does a face-plant into the backstop... Himeko: Oof!! ...and then falls into a huge mud puddle. Boy: Oops.... The other outfielders come over to check on Himeko. Boy: Hey, you OK? What about the ball? Himeko: .... Himeko sits up with a big grin on her face, and the ball nestled in her glove. Her other hand covers her cheek where she slammed into the backstop. Looks like she's going to need a change of clothes, too. Himeko: I've got it, of course! See? Boy: Oh! Great! Back at the top of the tree, Erika is still watching. Erika: She's such a tomboy.... [thinking] I'm a little uncertain about this.... (Page 8) After school, Himeko drops in on class 1-A so she can walk home with her friend, Manami. She's changed into her gym clothes, and has a bandage on her face. Himeko: Manami, are you here? There's no club meeting today, is there? Let's go home! Manami's putting the last of her books into her backpack. Manami: Hime-chan!! Himeko, Manami, and Icchan walk down the stairs on their way home from school. Students are yelling goodbyes to each other in the background. Student: Bye, teacher! Teacher: Take care. Manami: Why're you dressed like that...? Himeko: [grinning] Heh heh, well, it was like this... I was playing baseball at lunch, and managed to catch a ball that should've been a home run, but I fell into a puddle and got my school uniform all muddy. I got a battle-scar, too, see? Manami's apparently pretty ignorant about sports. Manami: Oh! That's so cool!! I don't quite understand it, but.... You had to go through afternoon classes like that? Icchan is unimpressed {probably just jealous}. Icchan: Just like a boy, hm? Manami: [shocked] Hey! That's mean, Icchan! [quietly] Talking about my Hime-chan that way.... Manami: Just say that she's *masculine*. Himeko: [thinking, irritated] What's the difference? A teacher {Gori-sensei} can be heard yelling. Gori: Hey! Hold it right there, Kobayashi!! (Page 9) Someone goes zooming past the three girls. Himeko: Wah! A boy {Kobayashi Daichi} on roller skates is zipping down the hall, with Gori-sensei in hot pursuit, while some girls cheer him on. Gori: Hey! Wait! Stop it! Girls: Good luck, Daichi! Run away! Himeko, Manami, and Icchan look on with interest. (Page 10) Daichi turns around, and Gori-sensei spreads his arms to stop him. Gori: Roller skates are not allowed at school! Hey, are you listening to me, Kobayashi Daichi?! You will stop right this moment so I can confiscate them. Daichi: [yelling] Tetsu! Daichi tosses his backpack to Tetsu, who catches it. Daichi continues heading straight for Gori, who suddenly has a very bad feeling about this. Gori: Eeeek! As Gori bends at the waist and covers his head, Daichi leaps over him, turning a full somersault in the air, and landing back on his feet. (Page 11) The students cheer for Daichi. Students: Oh!! Yay! As Daichi skates past, Tetsu throws him his backpack. Daichi: Thank you!! Daichi waves to Gori-sensei on his way out the door. Daichi: Catch ya later, teach! Gori's still crouched down, covering his head. Gori: Grrrr. He stands up and exerts his 'authority'. Gori: [yelling] Kobayashi, you will report to the principal's office first thing tomorrow morning!! You hear me?! Daichi sticks out his tongue as he skates away. Daichi: No way. Himeko, Manami, and Icchan watch him leave. Himeko: ...He's done it again. Kobayashi Daichi, the most rebellious student here. Manami: He's so *cool*! Icchan: [unimpressed] You think everything is cool, don't you. (Page 12) Manami: Isn't that OK? I only say it when I think it's true.... Himeko: I can understand why he's so popular. Manami: [excited] Really? Is that so, Hime-chan? Himeko: He's a sportman, he's flashy, and he's not bad-looking. Himeko: But he's not my type. He seems too flighty, since he fills in for various clubs, rather than joining one particular club and staying with it. A boy should be calm and firmly-rooted. Manami: ...Sounds like you're describing Hasekura-sempai. Himeko is surprised {probably at how obvious her description was}, and goes on the defensive. Himeko: EH? Manami and Icchan gossip with each other. Icchan: "Hasekura"? Manami: An upper-classman from Hime-chan's drama club. You don't suppose Hime-chan is *interested* in him...? Himeko: Wh...what're you talking about, Manami? Why would I be interested in Hasekura-sempai.... A boy behind Himeko overhears this, and decides to comment. Hasekura: What about me? (Page 13) Himeko turns around, shocked. Himeko: SEMPAI!! Hasekura: [smiling] You look so flustered that you must've been saying something bad about me, hm? Himeko: Not at all! We were just talking about the rumor that you're cool! Hasekura: Are you saying nice things about me again? Anyway.... Hasekura notices that Himeko is wearing gym clothes instead of her school uniform. Hasekura: As usual, you've done something again, hm? Those clothes.... Himeko: [embarrassed] Uh, yeah.... Himeko changes the subject. Himeko: Sempai, do you study on your way home, too? Hasekura holds up a ring of vocabulary cards. Hasekura: Oh, this. There's an exam tomorrow. Hasekura: It's easy to study vocabulary while I'm walking! Himeko: Preparing for exams is tough, isn't it? Good luck! Hasekura: Thanks. See you. Hasekura starts to walk away. Himeko waves her arms wildly and shouts.... Himeko: [yelling] Sempai! Good luck! Do your best, sempai!! Hasekura, embarrassed, waves goodbye and leaves. (Page 14) Himeko watches Hasekura leave, as her friends continue to gossip. Manami: [disappointed?] Well, it looks like I was wrong. Icchan: She couldn't say something like "You're cool!" if she liked him. Manami clasps her hands under her face, and stares off into space, dreamily. Manami: He's so cool, isn't he? Hasekura-sempai.... Icchan: How many people do you feel that way about, anyway? The three of them start to walk home again. Manami rushes over to Himeko. Manami: But of course *Hime-chan* is the *most* cool! Right? Himeko: Is that so? Icchan: Don't get carried away. Finally, Himeko makes it home. Himeko: I'm home! I'm hungry... is there anything to snack on, sis? (Page 15) Himeko's older sister Aiko is drying some dishes. She looks at Himeko with concern. Aiko: Oh, my. What've you done this time? Himeko sits at the table with her younger sister (about 5 yrs old), Yumeko. Himeko: Nothing! I just fell in a mud puddle. Aiko puts a plate of goodies on the table. Himeko: Ah, cream puffs! [thinking] The ones from Kokeshiya are great! Aiko responds to Himeko's explanation. Aiko: Really? Yumeko: [excited] Hey... Hime-oneechan!! Himeko responds with her mouth full of cream puff. Himeko: What, Yumeko? Yumeko: [excited] A letter came from Dad!! Himeko: Already!? He's only been gone 3 days, hasn't he? In Okinawa.... Aiko brings the letter to the table for Himeko to read. Aiko: That's right. Here it is.... Yumeko: [excited] I already wrote an answer for it! (Page 16) Himeko continues to munch on cream puffs while reading the letter. Himeko: It's alright, if he just gives me a letter. [thinking] All this...? But he cries if I don't write back. Mom: Hey... Himeko's mother walks in, looking very tired. Mom: I need some coffee. Mom: Very very STRONG coffee, OK? Just fill a big bowl with it. Himeko and Aiko talk to each other while their mother walks away. Himeko: Is it tomorrow? The deadline for her story.... Aiko: Yes... do you think she'll be OK? Later that night, Himeko is looking at a small 'studying' charm she has. She sits at her desk, thinking about something, then pokes at a stuffed lion that's sitting on top of the desk. Himeko: What'll I do? Hm, Pokota? She gets no response, of course. (Page 17) She collapses on her bed, face-first into her pillow. Himeko: What should I do....? Himeko: [thinking] Tomorrow is Hasekura-sempai's birthday. Three months ago, I bought a test-studying-charm to give to him. My heart's already made up, but.... She buries her head under the pillow. Himeko: I can't do it! Argh! Now that the time's come, I'm too nervous to do it! She remembers what Manami said earlier today.... Manami: [flashback] You don't suppose that Hime-chan is... *interested* in him...? Himeko: [thinking] Yes, you're right. Ever since 6th grade, when I saw the cultural festival put on in the park by the middle school's drama club.... (Page 18) Himeko thinks back to the play that day.... Himeko: [thinking] He wasn't in a major role, but I'll never forget the way he stood out from the rest. Himeko: [thinking] But in his eyes, I'm just a tomboyish underclassman.... Himeko: [thinking] I could never tell him that I love him.... There's a knock at her bedroom door, shaking her out of her reverie. She sits up. Aiko: [from outside] I'm coming in, Himeko. Aiko enters, carrying Himeko's school uniform. It's been cleaned and ironed. Aiko: I ironed this for you. I'll just leave it here, OK? Himeko: Uh... thanks. Himeko stares at Aiko for a moment. Aiko: Yes? Himeko: You're such an ideal woman, sis. Aiko: Eh!? Aiko: [embarrassed] Why do you say that, all of a sudden? Himeko: You're a good cook, you do all the housework, you're feminine, pretty.... Himeko: If I were a boy, I'd sure want to marry you. This is all a bit much for Aiko. Aiko: Wh... what're you talking about....? (Page 19) She leaves. Himeko starts to contemplate things again. Himeko: [thinking] If I was like Aiko-oneechan, I'd be much more self-confident... It's hard to believe that we're only two years apart. She hangs the studying charm around the neck of Pokota (the stuffed lion), and sighs. Suddenly, she sits up, with a determined look on her face. Himeko: Hmph!! I'm my own person!! Why am I getting discouraged like this!! She raises her right fist into the air with each of the following words. Himeko: Ike!! Ike!! Go!! Go!! {'Ike' means 'Go', but I think it looks better like this.} She leaps into the air, with Pokota in her left hand. Himeko: JUMP!! [thinking] I'll definitely try to give it to him!! Aiko: [thinking] She's jumping around again.... Mom: I wish she'd be quiet.... (Page 20) The next day, Himeko is nervously standing outside Hasekura's house. She has Pokota and the studying charm with her. Himeko: Well, I came here.... She reaches for the doorbell... Himeko: [thinking] Here I go! ...but... Himeko: [thinking] Uh.... Himeko: [thinking] Er.... ...can't quite bring herself to push it. She crouches on the ground and tries to calm herself down, then gets an idea. Himeko: That's it, I'll have Pokota push it for me. Comment: [about Pokota] Brought along for just such an occasion. Himeko: [thinking] OK, go, Pokota! She raises Pokota towards the doorbell, and tries to bring herself to push the button with his paw. Himeko: [thinking] Rrrrr... But she can't quite force herself to do that, either. She crouches and tries to relax again. Himeko: I can't do it... I'll take a short break. I'll feel up for it if I just walk around a bit. (Page 21) Himeko starts wandering around. A breeze blows by. Himeko: Ahhh... that feels good. She walks around a little, looking at everything. Himeko: [thinking] It's the first time I've been in this neighborhood. Unfamiliar streets are always exciting. Himeko: [thinking] I wonder how many times sempai has walked through here.... She sniffs at the air, and draws in a deep breath. Himeko: [thinking] I'll breathe in a lot of the air. Sempai's smell might still be around. (Author): What're you doing? (Page 22) She spots a run-down house, with a tall metal-grille fence and overgrown hedges. Himeko: Oh, an old house.... Himeko: [thinking] Seems like it's abandoned, too.... Then, she sees a sign. Himeko: [thinking] Hm? Sign: Danger!! Keep out! With a big smile, she works her way through the fence. Himeko: [thinking] When it says "Keep out", it's human nature to find it intriguing and exciting! Let's see.... (Author): Good kids should not imitate this. She peeks at the house from beneath a section of hedge she's crawled underneath. (Page 23) She sees Daichi stretching his arms towards the sky, as he stands by the door. (Page 24) Himeko: [thinking] Isn't that Kobayashi Daichi? What's he up to? Suddenly, a cat comes by and bounces off Himeko's back as it runs past, giving away her hiding place beneath the bushes. Himeko: OOF! Daichi hears her, and turns to look. He has no problem spotting her. Himeko: [embarrassed] Oops... Daichi: What's with you? (Page 25) Daichi walks over and crouches down in front of her. Daichi: What're you doing here? Himeko: Uh...um...er.... Himeko: The crawl-stroke!! {swimming} Ha ha, just kidding!! Daichi: It's not that funny. Himeko: Ha ha ha ha ha.... [thinking] You little.... After her failed attempt at humor, she tries to be apologetic. Himeko: I'm sorry, is this your house? Daichi: What makes you think anyone lives here? Hm? He shows her the way out, pushing her along. Daichi: Come on, hurry up and get out. Didn't you see the "Keep out" sign? Himeko: But you were in there too, weren't you, Kobayashi-kun? Daichi looks a bit surprised. Daichi: Why do you know my name? Himeko: I'm** in the same middle school as you. 1-B, the class right next to yours. Daichi: [puzzled] I?** (Page 26) Daichi puts two and two together, and surprisingly enough, comes up with four. {** Himeko is using the female form of 'I', which confused Daichi at first, because he didn't realize she was a girl.} Daichi: Oh! You're a girl.... Himeko, offended that it took him this long to notice, whacks him with a jump-kick. Himeko: [angry] How insulting!! No matter how you look at it, I'm a girl! Daichi: [thinking] You look like an obnoxious little grade-school boy, to me. (Page 27) Hasekura just happened to be wandering by, and saw the whole thing. Daichi: [quietly] Ow, that hurts.... Himeko: [nervous] Sempai!! Oh no!! Did he see that, just now!? Himeko goes into "embarrassed and very friendly" mode. Himeko: Um... er... good afternoon! Hasekura: Good afternoon. Strange running into you *here*.... Himeko: Yes, I was just out for a short walk.... Are you on your way to cram school? Himeko: Do your best, OK? Hasekura: Thanks, Hime-chan. Hasekura winks at Himeko as he walks off. Hasekura: Don't be TOO much of a tomboy. Himeko puts a hand behind her head and laughs nervously {sort of like Kyousuke from Kimagure Orange Road}. Himeko: Ha ha ha ha ha... I suppose that's true.... (Page 28) Himeko goes back home. Sign: The worst possible outcome. Mom, Yumeko, and Aiko are downstairs eating. Himeko is upstairs in her room. Yumeko: Where's Hime-oneechan? Aiko: She said she wasn't hungry, and that she had a headache. Do you think she's OK...? Mom: I'm sure she's fine. Mom: She'll have forgotten all about it by tomorrow, and will probably eat enough to make up for today. Well, I'll take one of Himeko's croquettes. Yumeko: Oh! Me too!! Himeko can hear the ongoing conversation from her room. Mom: You can take half of one. Hey, Yume, that's the melon one!! That one is your mother's. Himeko: That's just too much. [thinking] What kind of family is this, anyway? She sits with her head in her hands, depressed, thinking about her ill-fated jump-kick. Himeko: [thinking] Sempai... he definitely seems to have given up on me. He's already decided, after seeing something like that.... (Page 29) She goes over and leans on the windowsill, looking down at the ground, with Pokota at her side. Himeko: On top of that, I dropped the charm somewhere and lost it. This has been absolutely the WORST day. She closes her eyes and daydreams. Himeko: [thinking] I wish I could become a cute, graceful girl. Maybe if I close my eyes like this, and then open them slowly.... She opens her eyes and looks out at the tree by her window... Himeko: [thinking] I wish I could turn into a wonderful girl like that... Hah. That sort of thing... ...and notices there seems to be another one of her sitting in the tree outside. Odd. Himeko: [thinking] would never happ.... It's Erika, the girl who was spying on her at school today. This is the first time Himeko has noticed her, though. Himeko: [puzzled] What's this? Why is there another "me" here? There's no mirror in a place like that... and why do you suppose she has long hair? And wears a ribbon, too.... (Page 30) Erika smiles at Himeko and introduces herself. Erika: Pleased to meet you. I am called "Erika". May I come in? Himeko takes a moment to evaluate this smiling girl in a tree, and then reacts in a perfectly rational fashion. Himeko: EEEEEEEEEK! Himeko grabs a baseball bat, and brandishes it at Erika, who has come into Himeko's bedroom. Himeko: [yelling] Thief! Thief! Erika waves her hands at Himeko, and nervously tries to calm her down. Erika: No, no, no! I'm not a thief! Himeko remains unconvinced. Himeko: Do honest people waltz into a person's house THROUGH THE WINDOW at this hour!! Erika: I'm very sorry. But I'm here for an important reason. (Page 31) Himeko keeps a firm grip on her baseball bat. Himeko: Important reason? Erika: Yes! Please believe me, I have something very important to tell you. We look alike, isn't that proof enough? Himeko: Hmmm. [thinking] Why is she so persuasive? Suddenly, Himeko's mom comes barging in, with a helmet on her head and a clipboard to use as a shield. Mom: Where are you, thief!! Himeko: Oops! I'm sorry, I'm just practicing for drama club. Her mom leaves. Himeko and Erika sit down and talk to each other, though Himeko still looks a bit skeptical about the whole thing. Himeko: So, won't you let me hear your "important reason"? Erika: OK! Where should I start... anyway... I would like you to let me observe you for a year. Himeko: "Observe"? [thinking] What does she think I am, a lab animal? Erika: [happily] Yes! You see, actually I'm a princess of the Land of Magic. Himeko gives her a "yeah, right" look, and then picks up the phone. Himeko: Hello? Is this the police? I've got some weirdo here.... Erika: Will you please listen to my WHOLE story!! (Page 32) Erika launches headfirst into her story. Erika: For many generations, the successor to the royal family of the Land of Magic has had to train in many different things. One of these things is to observe a human for one year, and keep a diary about it. Himeko: [thinking] Yep, just like a lab animal. Erika: Oh, but I should tell you a little more about this "observation". I am not to do it in person -- I must watch you through a crystal ball from the Land of Magic. Every person in the Land of Magic has a person in the human world that looks exactly like them. When you find that person, you must observe them. Himeko: So, then, you've been looking for me? Erika: Yes! It took me 3 months, too. Isn't that horrible? [thinking] If I don't get back soon, the King will be angry with me. Himeko: Well hey, there's just one thing. I haven't agreed to this yet. (Page 33) Himeko: I don't know about that rule or this "Land of Magic", but if you're going to be able to watch everything I do from this unknown place, that's a major invasion of privacy. Erika: Of course, I don't expect you to do this for free! In trade for this.... Erika removes her ribbon, and fastens it to Himeko's hair. Himeko gives her a surprised look. Erika: I will loan this ribbon to you. Erika: If you wear this, it will enable you to transform into any person in the human world. (Page 34) Himeko looks shocked, as she considers the possibilities. She and Erika have gotten to their feet. Himeko: ...That's impossible.... Erika: Well, why don't you try it? Who would be good? An idol singer? An actress from a foreign film would be OK too. Himeko: This... this sort of thing.... [thinking] It can't be.... Understandably, Himeko is having some trouble accepting this. Suddenly, she hears a new voice speaking to her. Voice: Try it, Hime-chan! Himeko turns around to look at the source of the voice... and it's Pokota! Pokota: Hi. Himeko: **POKOTA**!!?? Erika decides this would be a good time to explain a little more. Erika: Oh, that's right. The ribbon creates a friend for you from something. Pokota: [quietly] Nice to meet you. Erika: In your case, it was this stuffed animal. (Page 35) Himeko picks up Pokota, nervously. He's... alive? Himeko: [shocked] ...Then...this is all real.... Himeko: I don't suppose... that I could turn into my older sister...? Erika: [puzzled] Eh? Himeko: I... I've always wanted to be like my older sister... can I really turn into her? Erika winks and smiles at her. Erika: Of course! Stand in front of the mirror. Himeko stands in front of the mirror, after putting Pokota down. Erika: It doesn't have to be a mirror, as long as you can see yourself in it, anything is fine. Put both hands over your face. Himeko crosses her hands over her face, covering it. Erika: Yes, like that. Now say, "Parallel, Parallel, become my older sister". {Actually, it's PARARERU, but it means 'parallel'.} Erika: Then pull your hands apart suddenly. Ok? (Page 36) Himeko: ...Parallel, Parallel ...become my older sister Aiko!! She pulls her hands apart, and in a flash of special effects... she suddenly looks like her sister! She stares at herself in the mirror for a moment, unbelieving. She looks exactly like her sister, down to the last bit of clothing. Except for a small ribbon-shaped pendant around her neck, that is. (Page 37) *Aiko* is incredibly impressed. Erika smiles, knowingly. {Asterisks around a name indicate that it's really Himeko, transformed into someone else.} *Aiko*: [actually Himeko] WOW!! *Aiko* touches her reflection in the mirror. *Aiko*: I look just like my sister! It's strange, but great!! Erika: Look at your chest for a moment. *Aiko* is so excited that she ignores Erika completely. She looks down at the ground. *Aiko*: The floor is so far away! I have two feet, too. {What an odd comment.} I can't believe this! *Aiko* looks in the mirror again, and jokes with herself. *Aiko*: Big sister Aiko! Yes? Just kidding! Erika tries to get her attention again, a little annoyed at being ignored. Erika: I said, take a look at your chest! *Aiko*: Chest? *Aiko* feels around a bit, and looks down. *Aiko*: Oh...this? A pendant. [thinking] Shaped like a ribbon... Erika: Yes. When you are transformed, the ribbon turns into that. *Aiko* digs around through her drawers, looking for some shoes, since Aiko was only wearing socks when the transformation took place. *Aiko*: Oh, wow! This is great! I'm going to go out for a bit! I'll leave through the window. I don't have my shoes, but I'm sure there are some new ones in my room somewhere.... Erika: [worried] Wa...wait a minute! There's still more that I need to tell you! (Page 38) *Aiko* is so excited that she doesn't care. Out the window she goes, swinging her way downstairs via a tree branch. *Aiko*: I'm off! Erika: You *must* turn back within an hour, or else! Say the same magic words in reverse, OK? When three minutes remain, the pendant will remind you!! *Aiko* starts walking off down the street, only half-listening. Erika: And while you're transformed, the other person still exists, so be careful!! And *Aiko* is gone. Erika collapses to the ground and pats at her head with a handkerchief. Erika: [quietly] Whew. Pokota: [quietly] Thank you for putting up with her. Erika gestures, and her broom appears, to take her back to the Land of Magic. Erika: Looks like my business here is finished. [thinking] I'm still a little uneasy, though. Erika: I'd better hurry and get back to the Land of Magic! Downstairs, Himeko's mom and sisters are having a snack, and have heard some of what's gone on upstairs. Fortunately, Erika sounds exactly like Himeko, so they're not suspicious. Mom: What a strange play. [thinking] And such a loud voice. Aiko: True. (Page 39) *Aiko* walks down the street, humming to herself and soaking up the compliments. {Aiko is very attractive.} Boy: [quietly] Gee, she's pretty. *Aiko*: [thinking] This feels great.... Girl: [quietly] That person just now was beautiful, wasn't she? *Aiko*: [thinking] I didn't know sis was having it so good. [thinking] It's hard to forgive her for it. *Aiko* looks through a shop window at a dress. *Aiko*: [thinking] Oh, what nice clothes. Saleswoman: Why not come in and try them on? *Aiko* does. *Aiko*: Wow, it looks good on me! Saleswoman: Yes, it really does become you. It's very nice. *Aiko*: [thinking] This is great... I'm so jealous of Aiko... the benefits of being attractive.... *Aiko*: Oh, this is nice, too! She tries on several other outfits as well. *Aiko*: [thinking] This is pretty good, too. Feminine stuff is great... It seems that everything looks good on me like this. *Aiko* walks out of the shop without buying anything. *Aiko*: [thinking] Just try them on. Just try them on. You can't afford them. Saleswoman: ...Please come again.... (Page 40) *Aiko* walks to the park, and sits down on the edge of a fountain to relax. *Aiko*: I'll rest for a bit. Boy: Hey there, miss. A boy walks up to her. Boy: Are you all alone at this hour? Won't you have some tea with me? *Aiko*: [thinking] Ack!! He's trying to come on to me!! *Aiko* turns her head away. *Aiko*: Not interested. The boy sits down and slides over next to her. Boy: Hey, don't say that... I knkow a really good tea shop. *Aiko*: [annoyed] I said, I'm not interested!! The boy takes her left hand, and puts his right hand on her shoulder, moving in close. Boy: Aww, c'mon...! *Aiko* pulls away from him, angrily. *Aiko*: What in the hel.... A familiar voice interrupts her. Voice: I'm sorry! Have you been waiting long!? (Page 41) *Aiko* gets a sinking feeling as she recognizes the voice. *Aiko*: That voice is.... She turns to face it, and it turns out to be.... *Aiko*: [thinking] Hasekura-sempai! Hasekura: I was just talking with a friend. Shall we go? Hasekura leads her away, as the boy walks off, disappointed. Hasekura: [quietly] Hurry, come with me. Boy: Oh, she was with a guy.... *Aiko*'s heart is beating wildly, from being in such close contact with Hasekura. *Aiko*: [thinking] Wha... what will I do? I wasn't prepared for this.... *Aiko*: Um.... (Page 42) She stops in the middle of the sidewalk for a moment. Hasekura stops as well. *Aiko*: Thank you very much. Hasekura: That's OK. *I* really hate guys like that, too. *Aiko* throws a punch at the air, angrily. *Aiko*: I really thought I was going to have to trash him! Hasekura: [surprised] Huh? [quietly] Trash him? *Aiko* realizes her error. Feminine girls don't talk like that. Her sister would never say such a thing. *Aiko*: Uh, no, I was just joking. It's a joke!! [quietly] Ho ho ho ho. *Aiko*: [thinking] I'm my sister. My sister! *Aiko*: [thinking] But I can't believe it, meeting with sempai like this... I'm glad I turned into my sister. Oh, hey, I'm blushing! Hasekura: Anyway.... Hasekura: I didn't expect to meet you like this. *Aiko*: [thinking] EH? Hasekura: As I walk around, I've been thinking about you a lot. And now, I've actually met you... It'll probably surprise you, coming so suddenly like this, but.... (Page 43) Pause for dramatic effect, as the two of them look at each other. *Aiko* seems to have an idea what's coming. Hasekura: I'm in love with you. *Aiko*: Oh no...!! THE END... OF PART ONE